Cheapest Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are Southside, Lorin District, and Hillegass. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of August 3, 2026, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,321, which is 3.7% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Southside
Average Rent
$1,497/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.3%
Units Available
12 Rentals
Southside is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $1,497. Compare this to the city average of $2,321. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.3%. Southside provides easy access to Metro Oakland International, North Berkeley, and Macarthur.
Lorin District
Average Rent
$1,982/Month
Units Available
10 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Lorin District might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,982, while the city’s average stands at $2,321.
Hillegass
Average Rent
$2,082/Month
Units Available
39 Rentals
Hillegass is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Hillegass is $2,082 while the city average is $2,321.
Berry Bangs
Average Rent
$2,090/Month
Units Available
12 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Berry Bangs. The average rent is $2,090, compared to the city average of $2,321.
Elmwood
Average Rent
$2,094/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
Units Available
24 Rentals
Elmwood is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,094. Compare this to the city average of $2,321. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.3%. Elmwood provides easy access to Downtown Berkeley, UC Berkeley, and Essig Museum of Entomology.
The Leonard
Average Rent
$2,207/Month
Units Available
33 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, The Leonard might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,207, while the city’s average stands at $2,321.
South Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,220/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.5%
Units Available
124 Rentals
South Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in South Berkeley is $2,220 while the city average is $2,321. This is a 2.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Metro Oakland International, Lincoln University, Oakland, and 2620-2620 Telegraph Ave.
LeConte
Average Rent
$2,664/Month
Units Available
31 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out LeConte. The average rent is $2,664, compared to the city average of $2,321.
Downtown Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,696/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.2%
Units Available
145 Rentals
Downtown Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,696. Compare this to the city average of $2,321. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 4.2%. Downtown Berkeley provides easy access to 2058 University Ave, San Francisco International, and University Ave Cottages - 2nd Floor Office.
North Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,859/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
Units Available
71 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, North Berkeley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,859, while the city’s average stands at $2,321. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.1%. North Berkeley is near Samuel Merritt University, Berkeley City College, and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.